San Jose Mayor and Police Chief Highlight Need for Increased Community Safety by Taking to the Trails
Mayor’s budget proposal supported by Police Chief prioritizes reducing crime
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2023
Media Contact:
Tasha Dean, Chief Communications Officer, Office of Mayor Matt Mahan, [email protected]
SAN JOSÉ, CA - Today, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and San Jose Police Department Chief Tony Mata participated in a bike patrol along the Coyote Creek Trail in South San Jose to highlight the need for increased public safety measures, a focal point of the mayor’s proposal.
“When people don’t feel safe in their own neighborhoods, little else matters,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. “Ensuring the safety of the community is our fundamental obligation – which is why my budget proposal calls for doubling the rate at which we hire officers and investing in recruitment and retention.”
Mayor Mahan and Chief Mata advocated for deeper investments in San Jose’s police department to improve response times, implement community policing, and better protect residents of San Jose. San José continues to have the most thinly staffed police department (with only 11 officers per 10,000 residents, or 1173 officers total) of any major U.S. city and increasing demands for response have prompted greater focus on strategic investment in SJPD.
Since 2020, incidents of violent crime in San José have risen by over 15%. When one of our neighbors is threatened with violence, the extra minute it takes for help to come can mean the difference between life and death, which is why it is even more important that we achieve appropriate staffing levels within our Police Department.
“Public safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we need initiatives like the partnership with Santa Clara County Water District and the City to promote safety on our bike trails,” said Chief of Police Tony Mata.
In his budget, Mayor Mahan pushed the city to invest more money into public safety initiatives that are guided by common sense. The mayor’s budget was unanimously passed by the City Council on March 21. Some of these investments include:
Doubling the rate at which the city hires new police officers—from the 15 approved by Council last year to 30.
Enhancing SJPD recruitment efforts by increasing officer referral and signing bonuses, a one-time officer relocation stipend, and programs designed to engage youth interested in law enforcement careers.
Finding ways to divert 911 calls that don’t warrant a law enforcement officer with a badge and a gun—especially those involving mental health crises, homelessness, and youth.
Addressing the nationwide paramedic staffing challenge by investments in new recruitment and retention solutions, including adding more Fire Academy classes each year.
Using remaining American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to broaden San Jose’s ability to prevent youth violence by investing in programs like the Clean Slate Program, the Safe Schools Initiative, Trauma to Triumph, and the Bringing Everyone’s Strengths Together (B.E.S.T.) grant program.
Collaborating with the County on recidivism intervention for high-risk populations such as those exiting jails, prisons, and hospitals who often end up as repeat offenders and members of the unhoused community.
Accelerating the Pedestrian Safety Program, Safe Routes to School, and deploying quick-build solutions through Vision Zero.
The mayor’s core budget priorities include public safety, homelessness, blight, and bringing jobs and housing back to San Jose. Mayor Mahan continues to push the city to narrow its focus and make meaningful progress in these areas using practical, cost-effective solutions.
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About the City of San José
With more than one million residents, San José comprises the 10th largest city in the United States, and one of its most diverse cities. San José’s transformation into a global innovation center in the heart of Silicon Valley has resulted in the world's greatest concentration of technology talent and development.